Uth

[Kcsearle]

I have one under my 30g tank, and I had it turned on so I can watch my temps before I get my ball python. The next thing I knew the bottom of the tank where the pad is cracked. I have used UTH many times and never cracked before!

Why would it crack? And is it still ok too use the tank?

[lady_bug87]

hmmm thats weird, did you use those little feet on the tank for air flow?

[alessia55]

Is the tank plexi glass, glass, or plastic?

I would think it happened because there was no airflow between the pad and the tank. You might need to put little rubber feet on the corners of the tank to raise it a bit.

I can't tell you if it's safe to re-use that tank now that it has a crack. Post a pic so we can see the damage.

[Kcsearle]

It's glass and we have the rubber little feet on! That is why I don't understand why it cracked

[Lankyrob]

Glass and UTH are not recommended because of that exact reason - the UTH i have had a warning on them that they should not be used on glass tanks.

[Gungirl]

Did you have a thermostat hooked to the uth? If so it should never get hot enough to crack glass....

[Kcsearle]

Did you have a thermostat hooked to the uth? If so it should never get hot enough to crack glass....

No ... I have been looking for one but can't find any

[Lankyrob]

You really shouldnt have any heat element near an animal that is not thermostatted.

[Gungirl]

Thats why it happened. Those things can get way to hot. Never use a heating device for any animal without having it hooked to a thermostat. I have seen a UTH reach 140 degrees... that will cook your snake. Please wait until you get a thermostat before using this Item. As far as still using the tank. Im not sure it would be safe.. if you can feel the crack there is a chance your snake could get cut from it. If you have no other tank I would put a small amount of Aquarium sealant on top of it to ensure that your snake can not and will not get hurt.

[youngster]

If you spill water on the glass above the UTH it can crack if it's too hot, listen to Kat.

[Kcsearle]

I am going to use my lamp for now for now! Where can I find a thermostat? To use? I have the zoo med UTH
Thanks

[Lankyrob]

Search on ebay, goto a reptile store, go to a pet store, look on a reptile retailers website................... :)

[millertime89]

I can make you a thermostat, price starts at 50 plus shipping, or you can build one yourself, I made a thread about it. PM me if you want details.